Kru Nestor runs the gym like his baby. He's a great guy that respects both beginners and veterans and pairs people up accordingly when it comes time for pad work. These are not easy classes, but definitely will keep you in shape. In fact, if you can survive the first 10-15 minutes of jump rope the rest of the class (90 minutes total weekdays, 2 hours on weekends) will be a cakewalk by comparison. As long as you're giving your full effort, Nestor won't call you out for getting tired and struggling to get through half of the reps. The gym teaches both boxing and Muay Thai at various levels (schedule on the website), although any skill level is generally allowed to join any class given that you can keep up with the workout. Nestor has trained fighters in the past, but if you are a beginner looking to jump in for the first time, I cannot recommend this place enough. It will take a few classes to get into the swing of things, so don't give up after the first trial class! read more

I practiced at different gyms and dojos, but the Ultimate Gym is just perfect! Good comfortable, clean, spacious, safe and most importantly a great instructor. Kru Nestor Marte makes sure we learn the techniques correctly. And the vibe in that place is very family style. Great place! Highly recommend it! K. read more

Great training from a top notch Muay Thai instructor. I highly recommend Kru Nestor and the Ultimate Gym for anyone wanting to step up their Muay Thai, Boxing and Luta Livre training to the next level. read more

This Gym is the real deal. Expect to be welcomed with open arms by the instructor and students from the start. The training is very intense but worth it as the results come quick. Soo happy I found The Ultimate Gym! read more

Started with a Groupon and now a regular at the Ultimate Gym, to the point that I've cancelled my New York Sports gym membership. The class can seem intimidating as there isn't a different workout for beginners, but you soon realize that the only expectation in the gym, is that you give it your all during the session. Coach Nestor is an excellent trainer for boxing, Muay Thai and Grappling. He's a no non-sense kind of guy focused on getting every one skilled in defending themselves. I honestly think some of the harsh reviews about him are mostly due to people having a different expectation of the gym and the experience. Lastly, the gym has a great set of regulars that are really helpful and supportive, which goes a long way to keep you inspired and motivated. read more

Great gym. Training with Kru Nestor has been a great experience so far. This is not your typical cardio kickboxing/boxing gym. Be prepared for hard classes, real feedback and intense training allowing you to learn real Muay Thai and Boxing. Classes are available for beginners, intermediate and advanced students. read more

This is a very intense workout, I started as someone coming from Groupon, then signed up for a Muay Thai and Boxing membership, and I'm still here over two years later. I started training here when I was 210lbs and heavily a victim to my asthma. At peak training, I've been as light as 168lbs and have much better control of my body. Kru Nestor is great about actually running the classes, so try to show up early to allow for sign-in, waiver and warm up. Usual class breakdown: -15 min jump rope -30 min body conditioning -5 min wrap your hands (look to the Ultimate Gym facebook page for help, or another student will help you) -20 minutes technique review -25 minutes pad work (harder strikes) Train hard, fight easy. read more

Amazing gym. Classes will get you in shape and teach you proper technique. Highly reccomend.

I found Ultimate Gym NY through groupon, I like testing things out before committing to memberships. Before purchasing my groupon I did some research, including reading yelp reviews and checking out the website. I checked the schedule a few times to see what classes fit MY schedule and it looked like the only classes I could ever do are 6-7:30 on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but that fit just fine. Yesterday I called a few times and even left a message trying to see if I had to sign up for my first class. But I got no response or call back so I went anyway, early enough just in case I had to fill anything out. When I get there I talked to a man who seemed nice enough, only to be told that that the 6-7:30 classes are only for members and that people "should really go into the website and look at the schedule before purchasing a groupon"... His tone was one of finality, to me it sounded like this is something he's said before. For the sake of reference I have uploaded a screenshot of the schedule in which it states the Muay Thai kickboxing classes with no clarification of which are for members only or groupon users. Can't get my money back and can't get the workout. read more

Ultimate Gym NYC - class schedule - Martial Arts Near Me - New York, New York

Having completed my 15 classes from a groupon offer I will now offer my review of ultimate gym NYC. First and foremost this is NOT A CARDIO KICKBOXING CLASS. This is not I heart kickboxing or a HIIT variation of gingerly punching padded bags. This is the real deal Muay thai instruction that one learns to aquire Muay Thai fighting skills. This is not an easy gym to participate in. In fact I saw at least half of the people who showed up for their trial class never show up fpr class two or quit halfway. Although this is probably the most stamina demanding class you will partake in as it is 90min+, Nestor does not expect new-comers to hang with the vets right off the bat. He is fair in his expectation. He does want to see effort though, and lots of it or he will call you out on it. This may be and often is too much for some people to handle as not everyone does well with constructive criticism. He will tell the class as he did during a few of my sessions that he is offering you the Thailand hardnose teaching experience and if you cannot handle it, you should leave. For the first two weeks I attended, Nestor was not present as he was away in Thailand ( this is typical of most Thai boxing instructors). The people he had in place to teach were very competent and it was nice to have a varied form of instruction. Once Nestor I began teaching not too much changed but I was happy to be taught by him as he is very experienced in not just Muay Thai but in grappling and MMA as well. Nestor has trained with the legend, former two division champ Randy Couture, P4P great Anderson Silva, as well as tutelage under Alexander pequeno. One of the biggest names in grappling. Nestor has even cornered and trained some of the instructors who now have gyms of their own in NYC and Jersey. You can be sure you will get someone who knows Muay thai and mixed martial arts. Class consists of 15- 20 mins of jump rope ( don't be late), followed by 10-15 of hard workouts consisting of pushups, squats, and various forms of core exercises. I've only seen 3-4 of the regulars do every single rep from start to finish. Everyone one else struggles to keep up. The rest of the remaining hour is mixed pad work going over techniques and combos. I highly recommend this place if you want to graduate from cardio kickboxing and or want to learn actual muay thai. This is the place to go where you will get longer training sessions for competitive rates. The only reason I didn't give a 5 star is because, although I learned the most from this gym, I also was not always looking to do a 90 minute intensive workout. Also, the muay thai classes offered are limited in their availability to beginners. I feel like the warm up would be more achievable if the targeted body parts were split up. Instead of doing a total of 50 diamond pushups followed by 50 wide grip push ups followed by more pushups it be nice to break them up with some squats or sit ups. Also, a 60 minute class that would less intense once a week would be great for when someone wants to learn without the simulation of training for a fight. Again, this place has my full recommendation. I entered in what I thought was already good shape and left 8lbs lighter and lost 3% bodyfat in the two months I was there. read more

If you are looking to get into prime condition, compete, or learn traditional Muay Thai Ultimate Gym is the place to go. Kru Nestor is a great instructor, patient, and will definitely bring out your best. The classes are structured in a great way and it's a very friendly environment. Anyone interested in real training should definitely check this place out. read more

This place will make you serious about your fitness, nutrition and building friendships with people of all walks of life. Kru Nestor is very attentive to student needs- he's regularly circulates the floor while people practice techniques and gives tips/makes corrections/gives encouragement-just like a teacher should in real school;) If you really want to challenge yourself get in great shape and find out what you really made of you should come and check it out i guarantee you wont be disappointed awesome place to train. read more

This place is the real deal. If you are serious about your Muay Thai give it a shot. Kru Nestor actually works with you to make sure you have proper technique. He is tough but in a good way. No nonsense. read more

"you cant smooth a stone with silk" All my life I've been doing martial arts. I've done different styles and trained in many places throughout NYC. When I was 17 I trained at Ultimate Gym for about a year and it so profoundly affected me that I pretty much stopped having nightmares. I gained inner self confidence. After that, i got into BJJ and so changed schools to try out a few other things as well. I trained at 3 different prominent Muay Thai and MMA gyms (ive also done some training in Thailand) and finally after moving away and coming back to NYC, I am proud and honored to rejoin Ultimate Gym. It is the best Muay Thai training available, in my opinion. UG is not spacious and luxurious 5 star spa gym with cool exercise machines and locker rooms with free towels. UG is not flashy and trendy. UG is a place for grinding and developing grit, UG is authentic Muay Thai like they do in Thailand, and our Kru is the kind of guy that will cause you great pain when he massages your shinbones himself with stinging menthol thai oil to help make you stronger. Kru Nestor is both compassionate and critical, personally attentive and scrutinizing. The community at UG is welcoming, supportive, eclectic, and dedicated. With a little consistency and Kru's guidance, you will go beyond where you thought you could go and become the badass you always wanted to be. read more

This was the most unwelcoming gym i have ever been to. The guy who was "helping" me took one look at me and told me that this was a "serious" boxing class with the clear implication that I would not be able to do it. The class was called "Novice Boxing" so yes I am a novice but no one needs to be treated like that. I left since it was "serious" and I was clearly incapable. read more

The best mixed martial arts gym in New York! Come to Ultimate Gym to learn authentic Muay Thai, Boxing, and or Luta Livre. Kru Nestor Marte is one of the most dedicated and one of the most knowledgable martial arts instructors I have ever met in my near 30 years of studying many different styles of martial arts. This gym has something for everyone: get a stress relieving workout, lose weight, & or building the mind, body, & spirit, prepping for a fight, etc. Ultimate Gym is like a second family for all as all members are very respectful, helpful, hilarious- we definitely work hard & play hard! Word of caution though: please do not go to Ultimate Gym if you: expect to get pampered (ie have the instructor wrap your hands), bring any arrogance/disrespect to the gym. Otherwise, hope you will stop by if interested! read more

Love the gym and Love Muay thai! Top notch and serious training! Kru Nestor is an amazing and tough coach.

Ultimate Gym is the best gym I've ever been to! Kru Nestor Marte focuses primarily on thai boxing and muay thai, and his classes are intense, challenging, and gratifying. The gym itself is no frills, but well maintained. There are separate bathrooms for men and women, as well as a changing area in the back. These areas and the gym itself are kept clean and are clearly respected by the patrons and owner alike. Beyond the ring and the matted area which take up most of the gym, there's also a group of punching bags, some weights, TRX, and other training equipment that you can use before/after class. It's great that you can use this equipment in addition to the classes if you want to take your workout to the next level, but what's even better is that this equipment is almost exclusively only used in addition to the classes. In the actual classes, you hardly ever have to just work out by using equipment or punching bags; you're paired with someone who is your skill level and you spend 60-90 minutes performing conditioning exercises and training drills with them. Working with another person, getting used to their style and dealing with real-time reactions is what makes the classes so great--you feel like you're actually learning the sport, not just working out. Kru Nestor is clearly very skilled and experienced, and he genuinely cares about his students' performance. He makes sure to go to each individual training pair during every exercise, make sure they understand the drill, and gives them pointers on their technique. He's the most dedicated coach I've worked with. He takes the time to coach students individually, has a sense of humor, is clearly passionate about his work, and pushes you--hard. You can take his classes at any level; your experience isn't what matters, it's your commitment and willingness to work hard. Come to this gym to learn muay thai, get an insane workout, and meet some great people. The people who train at this gym are friendly, funny, and passionate about muay thai. They're hard working and encourage you to try your best, but also know how to have fun. It's a real community, and they welcome anyone who wants to train and have a good time. If you're even kind of considering trying muay thai, and you want a workout that will improve your body and your mindset, come here!! You will be so happy you did! read more

I started working out at this gym a couple of weeks ago and it is certainly a lot of fun. Firstly, I was worried about the fact that I'm a complete beginner and might not find an appropriate partner to train with. Once, I started boxing my concerns were blown away. The training is splitted in advanced and beginner cycles, which means that everybody gets a way of training to achieve individual goals. Kru (the trainer), who claims decades of experience in this sport always aims at motivating and making the training as beneficial as possible. At the same time fun is supposed to take place, too. I strongly recommend joining this gym when you search for an way to enhance your fitness, improve your current skills and meet nice people at the same time. read more

This is a great gym for any level. The staff and coaches are really motivating and they seem to really give a dam about you fitness goals rather then sell you a membership. True quality Muay Thai I'm so happy with this gym. read more

Class times listed on Facebook under Ultimate Gym NY & also the App by the same name. Class is an hour and a half. It's a great class! I'm in shape and was sore the next day, it kicked my butt! Lol! Lots of sweating, you don't need sneakers, only workout clothes, I chose shorts even tho it's winter bc it's hot! Their website is down & no one answers phones, so use the apps listed above to find class times :) read more

Authentic Muay Thai, motivated students and always an intense workout. No matter what is on my mind this is the place that makes me forget it. read more

I started training here January 2012 and have been a fanatic ever since. I think this is the best workout you can get in 90 minutes (a lot of times it goes for 95-100 minutes). People at the gym are very encouraging and Kru Nestor has helped me improve tremendously over the years. I can see improvements in body and mind after each class. Highly recommend! read more

Best Muay Thai gym I have ever been to. Kru Nestor is very professional and takes the time to make sure every student is being guided. Members are friendly and helpful. Great enviornment and gym overall!! read more